EDITORIAL: Strange, but true

AND NOW, another episode of "You Can't Make Up This Stuff" ... a review of some of the oddest stories on The Associated Press wire:

ITEM: A shot in the dark

We appreciate the loyal support of those who have our newspaper delivered to your homes. We understand that you may not always agree with the contents of our newspaper. But we can assure you, there's no reason to take safety precautions to have us delivered.

We tell you of this because of a recent incident in Gettysburg, Pa.

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A student at Gettysburg College notified police of a gunshot being fired by someone in a white sedan. The report set off a chain reaction, with college students and employees alerted by texts, voice and emails.

Turns out the "gunshot" was the sound of a newspaper hitting the pavement after the delivery driver tossed it from her car.

Newspapers don't kill people, people kill people.

ITEM: Face(book) the facts

Memo to Mark Zuckerberg: Your Facebook thing isn't just for young people.

Consider the case of a 104-year-old Michigan woman named Marguerite Joseph.

Granddaughter Gail Marlow has been trying to input Grandma Marguerite's age into her profile. But when she enters the year 1908, Facebook changes it to 1928.

So, for the purposes of Facebook, granny is 99 years old.

Grandma is legally blind and hard of hearing. Marlow reads and responds to her Facebook messages. She "would love to see" the real age posted for all to see.

All in favor, click "like".

ITEM: Introducing the 'Houdini Horse'

When they say "the horse is out of the barn" in Midland, Mich., they're not lying.

It seems Mariska, a 9-year-old mare, is something of an escape artist. A resident of Misty Meadow Farms, Mariska opens latches on her stall, as well as the stalls of her neighbors, freeing them to wander around.

Co-owner Sandy Bonem, says Mariska "doesn't like to be locked in" and chalks up the horse's skill to something that has "progressed" from when she was young and played with things in her mouth.

Last horse we saw opening stalls was Skyrocket on TV's original "Mickey Mouse Club" "Spin and Marty" series.

All those who remember "Spin and Marty" go to the head of the class -- and lock your stalls behind you.

ITEM: New definition for 'emergency'

Child abuse is serious stuff, but there's still room for some discipline in raising your kids.

Meet the 10-year-old Brockton, Mass., boy who was so upset his mother was sending him to bed at 8 p.m. that he called the police.

Yes, the youngster dialed 911, telling the dispatcher he wasn't ready to call it a day.

That's it. No real emergency ... except in the boy's mind.

Police sent an officer to the boy's home and gave him a lesson on when and when not to call 911.

The boy was not arrested. But we're thinking his mom should have grounded him.

ITEM: New definition 'public service'

One more 911 tale for you.

A Texas woman phoned 911 asking for delivery of cigarettes to her home.

Sheriff's deputies not only weren't amused, when they showed up at the woman's door, they discovered she was drunk.

The woman was charged with abuse of 911, a misdemeanor, and was released on $1,000 bond.